Javier Hernandez must be chomping at the bit considering his recent form. Will Manchester United give him the start his form deserves?
Manchester United face Braga tonight in the Champions League, and if they wanted any reminder of how tough a task it could be they need only refer back to their previous game against the Portuguese side.
Braga raced into a 2-0 lead before United fought back, largely with the help of a brace from Javier Hernandez. Since then he has continued his goalscoring form, with two goals in two games against Chelsea.
For one of those he was a substitute, and against Arsenal at the weekend he did not even get off the bench; not that he was needed mind with the Gunners’ limp display. Even so you feel considering Arsenal’s defending he could have had a hatful.
There is no shame in being left on the sidelines to make way for Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, but Sir Alex Ferguson is going to have a job holding him back much longer.
Given Hernandez’ success against the Portuguese last time out, the temptation will be to unleash him and let him inflict further damage and continue United’s Champions League charge.
The question is where he fits in. Do United rest Van Persie and bring Hernandez back in his place?
Rooney is likely to play a role dropping deep, especially with Paul Scholes left at home, so Sir Alex Ferguson may even decide to go for the kill and play Rooney, Van Persie and Hernandez.
It was a system the boss experimented with away to Cluj, with United winning out 2-1 thanks to a Van Persie brace, and may be tempted to utilise again. There is a worry though that doing so away to a side to talented as Braga could leave them exposed, even with Rooney playing as an auxiliary midfielder.
The boss will have an eye on the game away to Aston Villa at the weekend, and then there is Danny Welbeck to consider too, but Hernandez’ form is such that Ferguson cannot ignore and would perhaps be wrong not to take advantage of.
Watch highlights of United’s 3-2 win over Braga a fortnight ago below…
Which strikers and which formation would you play against Braga tonight?
image: © apasciuto
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